Last Thursday, I announced my candidacy for congress and as my first official act, I curbed the pollen by having it rain torrentially!  Seriously, the spirit of excitement in the tent at our first stop, Charleston, was palpable and positive as we begin this journey together down a new path forward for the first district and for South Carolina!   If I ever doubted our district's readiness for constructive change, it was dispelled that morning in the pouring rain.  The energy and excitement under that packed tent was electrifying!  

Thank you to Mayor Joe Riley, Tracey Doran, and Richard Hendry for their incredible tributes!  I told someone I felt like Tom Sawyer did when he attended his own funeral, and I asked Richard to save a copy of what he said so that when I kicked the bucket, he could dust it off and read it again!  Thank you to Reverend Isaac Holt for such a beautiful and powerful prayer to start the race!  Thanks to Dr. Earl Walker for an American tribute and pledge.  Thank you to my wonderful family for being with me.   Thank you to the Ketner for Congress staff and volunteers from all over the district who made the sun shine on a rainy day!

We spent the rest of the day travelling through the district and meeting with supporters in Pawley's Island, Conway and Myrtle Beach. Although each of the communities and cities in this district are unique, the desire for change is the same. We all agree that we can no longer afford to continue down the same old path. We must move forward to an economy that creates high paying jobs by bringing growth industries into the district; forward to build an exceptional education system for all children, quality health care that's accessible and affordable for businesses and families, and smart growth policies that protect our beautiful coast and our way of life. 

Thank you to all who were with us. Thursday was a beautiful beginning!